Electroencephalogram

Electroencephalogram

An electroencephalogram, better known as an EEG, is a test that is performed to detect electrical activity in the patient’s brain with the help of small, flat metal discs, or electrodes that are attached to the scalp. The communications from the brain cells are done through various electrical impulses. These impulses are active at all times, even when the patient is asleep. This activity of the brain cell impulses is tracked and recorded through an EEG and shows up in the form of wavy lines on an EEG chart.

The EEG test is one of the main diagnostic tests for detecting epilepsy. The test also plays a major role in the diagnosis of other brain disorders as well.

Why is it done?

The EEG can be used to determine any changes in the brain activity. This proves useful in the diagnosis of brain disorders like epilepsy. Though the EEG cannot detect mental illness or measure intelligence in a patient, it is helpful in diagnosing and treating a number of disorders like:

Epilepsy

Other seizure disorders

Head injury

Brain tumor

Inflammation of the brain

Brain dysfunction

Sleep disorders

Stroke

Dementia

Other uses of an EEG include confirming brain death in a coma patient or for finding the right anesthesia level for someone in a coma that has been medically induced.

Risks

The EEG test is painless and completely safe. Seizures are sometimes intentionally triggered in epilepsy patients during the test, but the procedure is not a result of the EEG and proper medical care is provided if the need arises.